System for analyzing device performance data

ABSTRACT

A system for analyzing performance data associated with a mail processing device includes a reporting module operable to receive, over a network, first data related to the operation of a mail processing device at one of a plurality of mail processing sites, wherein each of the plurality of mail processing sites is associated with a database accessible over the network, store the first data in a database associated with the mail processing site of the mail processing device, receive, over the network, second data identifying filter criteria for the first data, filter, using a processor, the first data with the second data, generate, using a processor, a report based on the filtered first data, and communicate the report over the network.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally device performance and moreparticularly to analyzing mail processing device performance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Enterprises often send and receive large volumes of mail. Enterprisesmay utilize high volume mail processing devices to automate mailprocessing tasks such as opening envelopes, removing correspondence fromenvelopes, capturing data, folding paper, inserting correspondence intoenvelopes, sealing envelopes, and applying postage to envelopes. In somecircumstances, enterprises may employ vendors to supply mail processingdevices and/or support services for mail processing devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, disadvantages andproblems associated with analyzing mail processing device performancemay be reduced or eliminated.

In certain embodiments, a system for analyzing performance dataassociated with a mail processing device includes a reporting moduleoperable to receive, over a network, first data related to the operationof a mail processing device at one of a plurality of mail processingsites, wherein each of the plurality of mail processing sites isassociated with a database accessible over the network, store the firstdata in a database associated with the mail processing site of the mailprocessing device, receive, over the network, second data identifyingfilter criteria for the first data, filter, using a processor, the firstdata with the second data, generate, using a processor, a report basedon the filtered first data, and communicate the report over the network.

In certain embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable mediumincludes logic for analyzing performance data associated with a mailprocessing device, the logic, when executed by a processor, operable toreceive, over a network, first data related to the operation of a mailprocessing device at one of a plurality of mail processing sites,wherein each of the plurality of mail processing sites is associatedwith a database accessible over the network, store the first data in adatabase associated with the mail processing site of the mail processingdevice, receive, over the network, second data identifying filtercriteria for the first data, filter, using a processor, the first datawith the second data, generate, using a processor, a report based on thefiltered first data, and communicate the report over the network.

In certain embodiments, a method for analyzing performance dataassociated with a mail processing device includes receiving, over anetwork, first data related to the operation of a mail processing deviceat one of a plurality of mail processing sites, wherein each of theplurality of mail processing sites is associated with a databaseaccessible over the network, storing the first data in a databaseassociated with the mail processing site of the mail processing device,receiving, over the network, second data identifying filter criteria forthe first data, filtering, using a processor, the first data with thesecond data, generating, using a processor, a report based on thefiltered first data, and communicate the report over the network.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure may provide one or moretechnical advantages. A technical advantage of an embodiment includesproviding an enterprise with the ability to automate collection ofperformance data from mail processing devices, or from a mail servicesvendor's database, to dynamically manipulate the performance data withfilter criteria, to supplement the performance data with data collectedfrom other sources, and to generate reports from the manipulatedperformance data. Additionally, the system may allow the enterprise toidentify maintenance issues in mail processing devices, train andevaluate operators and managers, track mail processing costs, andotherwise use mail processing device performance data to improveenterprise mail processing.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include some, all, ornone of the above advantages. One or more other technical advantages maybe readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the figures,descriptions, and claims included herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To provide a more complete understanding of the present invention andthe features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a system foranalyzing the performance of mail processing devices;

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a database comprising a table ofdata associated with the performance of mail processing devices;

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart of an embodiment of a method forprocessing data associated with the performance of mail processingdevices;

FIGS. 4A-B illustrate embodiments of graphical user interfaces; and

FIGS. 5A-C illustrate embodiments of reports generated by the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention and its advantages are bestunderstood by referring to FIGS. 1 through 5 of the drawings, likenumerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the variousdrawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a system 100 foranalyzing the performance of mail processing devices 108. According toan embodiment of the present disclosure, system 100 includes network 102and enterprise 104. Enterprise 104 may include a number of mailprocessing devices 108 at one or more mail processing sites 110, one ormore clients 112, and one or more reporting modules 114 comprisingmemory 116, database 118, processor 120, and interface 122. In certainembodiments, system 100 further includes mail services vendor module106. Mail services vendor module 106 may comprise memory 124, database126, processor 128, and interface 130. In an embodiment, mail processingdevices 108, reporting modules 114, mail services vendor module 106, andclients 112 are communicatively coupled to network 102.

Enterprise 104 includes a plurality of mail processing devices 108 atone or more mail processing sites 110 and one or more reporting modules114, each reporting module 114 including database 118 associated with amail processing site 110. For example, database 118 a of reportingmodule 114 a may be associated with mail processing site 110 a. Mailprocessing devices 108 may record first data related to the operation ofmail processing devices 108 and communicate the first data over network102. Other components of system 100, for example, mail services vendormodule 106 and/or reporting modules 114 may receive and store firstdata. Clients 112 may communicate second data that identifies filteringcriteria for first data over network 102. In an embodiment, reportingmodule 114 a receives first data related to mail processing devices 108at mail processing site 110 a associated with database 118 a ofreporting module 114 a from network 102, and receives second data fromnetwork 102, filters the first data with the filtering criteriaidentified by the second data, generates a report based on the filteredfirst data, and communicates the report over network 102. In anembodiment, mail services vendor module 106 receives first data fromnetwork 102 and reporting modules 114 access first data from network 102through mail services vendor module 106. In another embodiment,reporting modules 114 receive first data from network 102 without usingmail services vendor module 106.

According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, system 100provides enterprise 104 with the ability to automate collection ofperformance data (e.g., first data) from mail processing devices 108, orfrom a mail services vendor's database 126, to dynamically manipulatethe performance data with filter criteria (e.g., second data), tosupplement the performance data with data collected from other sources,and to generate reports from the manipulated performance data. Forexample, enterprise 104 may develop custom reports to evaluate mailprocessing device 108, operator, manager, and/or maintenance performancebased on data collected at mail processing devices 108. Additionally,system 100 may allow enterprise 104 to identify maintenance issues inmail processing devices 108, train and evaluate operators and managers,track mail processing costs, and otherwise use mail processing device108 performance data to improve enterprise 104 mail processing.

Network 102 represents any suitable network operable to facilitatecommunication between components of system 100, such as mail processingdevices 108, mail services vendor module 106, reporting module 114, andclients 112. Network 102 may include any interconnecting system capableof transmitting audio, video, electrical signals, optical signals, data,messages, or any combination of the preceding. Network 102 may includeall or a portion of a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a publicor private data network, a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan areanetwork (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a local, regional, or globalcommunication or computer network, such as the Internet, a wireline orwireless network, an enterprise intranet, or any other suitablecommunication link, including combinations thereof, operable tofacilitate communication between the components.

Enterprise 104 represents an entity that operates mail processingdevices. Enterprise 104 may refer to a financial institution, such as abank, however, enterprise 104 represents any suitable type of entity inany suitable industry. Enterprise 104 may have different business units,or subdivisions, that handle different business activities, for example,mail processing. In an embodiment, enterprise 104 includes one or moremail processing sites 110 comprising a number of mail processing devices108, one or more clients 112, and one or more reporting modules 114comprising databases 118 associated with the one or more mail processingsites 110. In an embodiment, each mail processing site 110 is associatedwith a database 118 of a reporting module 114. For example, in theillustrated embodiment, mail processing site 110 a is associated withdatabase 118 a of reporting module 114 a, mail processing site 110 b isassociated with database 118 b of reporting module 114 a, and mailprocessing site 110 n is associated with database 118 n of reportingmodule 114 n, where N represents the number of mail processing sites110. In another embodiment, each mail processing site 110 is associatedwith a database 118 of one or more reporting modules 114. For examplereporting module 114 may comprise a plurality of databases 118, eachdatabase 118 associated with one or more mail processing sites 110.

Mail processing device 108 represents a machine, device, or apparatusoperable to perform mail processing functions. Mail processing functionsinclude opening mail packaging, removing mail from mail packaging,scanning mail, imaging mail, capturing data from mail, transmitting mailwithin enterprise 104, outsorting mail, inserting mail into mailpackaging, packaging mail, applying postage to mail, and/or any otherprocessing involved in transmitting or receiving mail. Mail representsany tangible item that may be sent through mail services such as theUnited States Postal Service, the United Parcel Service, FederalExpress, DHL, or any other mail services provider. Mail processingdevices 108 include mail openers, mail extractors, mail sorters, mailjoggers, payment processing equipment, mail inserters, mail sealers,tabbers, paper folders, imaging devices, scanning devices, data capturedevices, and/or any other device, machine, or apparatus operable toautomate processing involved in transmitting or receiving mail. Theitems processed by mail processing devices 108 may be referred to asarticles. Articles include envelopes, documents, bills, checks, paymentinformation, or other items that may be mailed to, or mailed from,enterprise 104. In an embodiment, mail processing devices 108 areequipped to record and/or communicate data related to the operation ofmail processing devices 108. Mail processing devices 108 may be locatedat mail processing sites 110 in enterprise 104. Mail processing site 110represents a location where mail processing devices 108 operate.

Clients 112 represent entities that communicate data, such as filteringdata (e.g., second data), to system 100. Clients 112 may further beoperable to receive reports generated by system 100. In particularembodiments, clients 112 represent general or special-purpose computerscommunicating with software applications capable of performing theabove-described operations. Additionally, in particular embodiments,client 112 may include one or more processors operable to executecomputer logic and/or software encoded on non-transitory tangible mediathat performs the described functionality. Clients 112 may include, butare not limited to, laptop computers, desktop computers, personaldigital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones, tablets, and/or portable mediaplayers. In some embodiments, client 112 comprises one or more of ageneral-purpose personal computer (PC), a Macintosh, a workstation, aUnix-based computer, a server computer, or any suitable processingdevice. Client 112 may also include one or more computer input devices,such as a keyboard, trackball, or a mouse, and/or one or more GraphicalUser Interfaces (GUIs), through which a user may interact with the logicoperating on a processor communicating with client 112. In general,client 112 includes any appropriate combination of hardware, software,and/or encoded logic suitable to perform the described functionality.Clients 112 may couple to network 102 through a dedicated wired orwireless connection, or may connect to network 102 only as needed toreceive, transmit, or otherwise execute applications. In certainembodiments, clients 112 may share elements and/or functionality withother components of system 100, for example, when a software applicationoperates on a component of system 100 and communicates and receives datafrom client 112. Although FIG. 1 illustrates, for purposes of example, aparticular number and type of clients 112, alternative embodiments ofsystem 100 may include any appropriate number and type of clients 112,depending on the particular configuration of system 100.

In an embodiment, client 112 communicates second data over network 102,which includes criteria for filtering first data related to theoperation of mail processing devices 108. Second data may identify asubset of one or more categories of first data. For example, second datamay identify the subset of operators at a particular site 110 who hadjam clear rates greater than 15 seconds. Client 112 may communicatesecond data through a graphical user interface (GUI), which may be partof an application running on client 112 or on reporting module 114.Examples of GUIs for communicating second data are described in moredetail below with respect to FIGS. 4A-B.

Reporting modules 114 represent any suitable component of system 100that facilitates receiving, storing, filtering, and/or communicatingdata. Reporting modules 114 may also be operable to generate reportsbased on filtered data. In some embodiments, reporting modules 114 mayexecute any suitable operating system such as IBM's zSeries/OperatingSystem (z/OS), MS-DOS, PC-DOS, MAC-OS, WINDOWS, a .NET environment,UNIX, OpenVMS, or any other appropriate operating system, includingfuture operating systems. The functions of reporting modules 114 may beperformed by any suitable combination of one or more servers or othercomponents at one or more locations. In an embodiment where reportingmodules 114 are servers, the server may be a private server, and theserver may be a virtual or physical server. Additionally, reportingmodules 114 may include any suitable component that functions as aserver.

In the illustrated embodiment, reporting modules 114 includes memory116, database 118, processor 120, and interface 122. Memory 116represents any device operable to store, either permanently ortemporarily, data, operational software, or other information forprocessor 128. Memory 116 includes any one or a combination of volatileor non-volatile local or remote devices suitable for storinginformation. For example, memory 116 may include random access memory(RAM), read only memory (ROM), magnetic storage devices, optical storagedevices, semiconductor storage devices, or any other suitableinformation storage device or a combination of these devices. Memory 116may include any suitable information for use in the operation ofreporting module 114. Memory 116 may include some or all of database118. Database 118 represents one or more databases operable to receive,store, filter, and/or communicate data associated with mail processingdevices 108. In certain embodiments, each database 118 is associatedwith a mail processing site 110 and stores data related to theperformance of mail processing devices 108 at the mail processing site110.

Processor 120 represents any computing device configured to control theoperation of reporting modules 114. Processor 120 may comprise one ormore processors and may be a programmable logic device, amicrocontroller, a microprocessor, any suitable processing device, orany suitable combination of the preceding. Processor 120 includes anyhardware and/or software that operates to control and processinformation received by reporting module 114. In an embodiment,processor 120 communicatively couples to memory 116, database 118, andinterface 122 and controls the operation of reporting module 114.

Interface 122 represents any device operable to receive input, sendoutput, process the input and/or output and/or performs other suitableoperations for reporting modules 114. Interface 122 includes any port orconnection, real or virtual, including any suitable hardware and/orsoftware, including protocol conversion and data processingcapabilities, to communicate through network 102 that allows reportingmodules 114 to exchange information with components of system 100 overnetwork 102. In an embodiment, interface 122 may receive data relatingto the operation of mail processing devices 108 from network 102.

Mail services vendor module 106 represents any suitable component ofsystem 100 that facilitates receiving, storing, filtering, and/orcommunicating first data. In some embodiments, mail services vendormodule 106 may execute any suitable operating system such as IBM'szSeries/Operating System (z/OS), MS-DOS, PC-DOS, MAC-OS, WINDOWS, a .NETenvironment, UNIX, OpenVMS, or any other appropriate operating system,including future operating systems. The functions of mail servicesvendor module 106 may be performed by any suitable combination of one ormore servers or other components at one or more locations. In anembodiment where mail services vendor module 106 is a server, the servermay be a private server, and the server may be a virtual or physicalserver. Additionally, mail services vendor module 106 may include anysuitable component that functions as a server.

In the illustrated embodiment, mail services vendor module 106 includesmemory 124, database 126, processor 128, and interface 130. Memory 124represents any device operable to store, either permanently ortemporarily, data, operational software, or other information forprocessor 128. Memory 124 includes any one or a combination of volatileor non-volatile local or remote devices suitable for storinginformation. For example, memory 124 may include RAM, ROM, magneticstorage devices, optical storage devices, semiconductor storage devices,or any other suitable information storage device or a combination ofthese devices. Memory 124 may include any suitable information for usein the operation of mail services vendor module 106. Memory 124 mayinclude some or all of database 126. Database 126 represents one or moredatabases operable to receive, store, filter, and/or communicate dataassociated with mail processing devices 108.

Processor 128 represents any computing device configured to control theoperation of mail services vendor module 106. Processor 128 may compriseone or more processors and may be a programmable logic device, amicrocontroller, a microprocessor, any suitable processing device, orany suitable combination of the preceding. Processor 128 includes anyhardware and/or software that operates to control and processinformation received by mail services vendor module 106. In anembodiment, processor 128 communicatively couples to memory 124,database 126, and interface 130 and controls the operation of mailservices vendor module 106.

Interface 130 represents any device operable to receive input, sendoutput, process the input and/or output and/or performs other suitableoperations for mail services vendor module 106. Interface 130 includesany port or connection, real or virtual, including any suitable hardwareand/or software, including protocol conversion and data processingcapabilities, to communicate through network 102 that allows mailservices vendor module 106 to exchange information with components ofsystem 100 over network 102. In an embodiment, interface 130 may receivedata relating to the operation of mail processing devices 108 fromnetwork 102.

Components of system 100 may include logic. Logic performs the operationof the component, for example, logic executes instructions to generateoutput from input. Logic may include hardware, software, and/or otherlogic. Logic may be encoded in one or more non-transitory, tangiblemedia, such as a computer-readable medium or any other suitable tangiblemedium, and may perform operations when executed by a computer. Certainlogic, such as a processor, may manage the operation of a component.

In an embodiment of operation, reporting modules 114 receive first datafrom network 102 communicated by one or more mail processing devices 108and/or mail services vendor module 106, receives second data fromnetwork 102 communicated by one or more clients 112, filters the firstdata with the second data, generates one or more reports based on thefiltered first data, and communicates the one or more reports overnetwork 102. Clients 112 may receive the reports from network 102, andenterprise 104 may use the reports to evaluate mail processing device108, operator, and/or manager performance. In certain embodiments,enterprise 104 uses reports to identify maintenance issues relating tomail processing devices 108. In an embodiment, mail services vendormodule 106 receives first data from network 102 and reporting modules114 access first data from network 102 through mail services vendormodule 106. In another embodiment, reporting modules 114 receive firstdata from network 102 without using mail services vendor module 106.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to system 100. System100 may include more, fewer, or other components. Any suitable componentof system 100 may include a processor, interface, logic, memory, and/orother suitable element. In certain embodiments, first data may originateat mail processing devices 108 and/or mail services vendor module 106.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a database comprising table 200 ofdata associated with the operation of mail processing devices 108. Inthe illustrated embodiment, table 200 includes columns of datacategories such as date column 202, job name column 204, job type column206, job time column 208, operator column 210, manager column 212,device column 214, customer column 216, product column 218, input column220, output column 222, outsort column 224, reunite column 226, rejectscolumn 228, jams column 230, jam clear rate 232, and device idle timecolumn 234.

In an embodiment of operation, system 100 stores first data related tothe operation of mail processing devices 108 at mail processing site 110in table 200 in database 118 associated with the mail processing site110. First data may relate to performance data of mail processingdevices 108, operators, or managers. Mail processing device 108performance data includes jam rate, reunite rate, reject rate, outsortrate, and/or output rate. Operator performance data includes jam clearrate and/or device idle time. Reporting modules 114 may filter the datain table 200, and/or generate reports based on the data in table 200.System 100 may use data in table 200 to evaluate the performance of mailprocessing device 108, an operator, and/or a manager. For example, mailprocessing device 108 may record the number of articles processed bymail processing device 108 and the total number of jams during thatperiod of time, but may not perform the calculation to determine thenumber of articles processed per jam (i.e., a jam rate). In certainembodiments, system 100 uses data from mail processing devices 108 tocalculate additional data that may be useful for evaluating mailprocessing device 108, operator, and/or manager performance. Forexample, calculated data may include rates (e.g., output/unit time),performance metrics (e.g., jams/operator), or any other performance datacalculated using data from mail processing devices 108. The first datamay include calculated data and may be filtered by second data.

Date column 202 provides the dates that mail processing devices 108processed particular batches of articles, referred to as jobs. Jobs maybe associated with particular articles, customers, types of mailprocessing, or other category. Job name column 204 providesidentification codes for particular jobs. Job type column 206 providesidentification codes for particular categories of jobs. Job time column208 provides the time mail processing device 108 operated processing aparticular job. Operator column 210 provides identification codes forparticular operators of mail processing devices 108. Manager column 212provides identification codes for particular managers that supervisedoperators that controlled mail processing devices 108. Device column 214provides identification codes for particular mail processing devices108. Customer column 216 provides identification codes for particularcategories of products processed by mail processing devices 108. In anembodiment, customer identification codes identify entities that sponsorthe processing of particular products by mail processing devices 108.Product column 218 provides identification codes for particularcategories of articles processed by mail processing devices 108.Products may be associated with particular articles, customers, types ofmail processing, or other category.

Input column 220 provides the number of articles input into mailprocessing devices 108. Output column 222 provides the number ofarticles successfully processed by mail processing device 108. In anembodiment, output excludes outsorts, reunites, and rejects. Outsortcolumn 224 provides the number of articles, such as envelopes orpackages, that could not be opened by mail processing device 108. Mailprocessing device 108 may receive pre-defined criteria that determinewhat articles mail processing device 108 should outsort. For example,criteria may include article overlap in mail processing device 108,articles are too close together, article has incorrect dimensions,article has a change in thickness, mail processing device 108 error,metal detected in an article, damage to an article, or other suitablecriteria. Reunite column 226 provides the number of articles, such asdocuments, that were not fully extracted from an envelope or package bymail processing device 108. Reject column 228 provides the number ofarticles, such as documents, that could not be processed by mailprocessing device 108 because of the orientation of the article, anerror in the article, an error reading the article, and/or an errorimaging the article.

Jam column 230 provides the number of obstructions that occurred in mailprocessing device 108 during operation. A jam may result from amalfunction of mail processing device 108, an operator error, or adefect in an article being processed. In certain embodiments, mailprocessing devices 108 shut down until a jam is cleared. A jam mayinclude an article getting caught in mail processing device 108 and/or aportion of mail processing device 108 that needs to be reset. For mailprocessing device 108 to operate efficiently, jams need to be clearedfrom mail processing device 108. In certain embodiments, mail processingdevice 108 operators clear jams from mail processing device 108. Jamclear rate column 232 indicates the amount of time taken to clear a jamfrom mail processing device 108. In an embodiment, jam clear raterepresents an average time taken to clear jams from mail processingdevice 108 over a period of time or number of articles processed. Deviceidle time column 234 indicates the amount of time mail processing device108 was turned on but not processing articles. In an embodiment,remaining idle time excludes the time between turning mail processingdevice 108 on and when mail processing device 108 is able to processarticles (i.e., the startup time of mail processing device 108).

Table 200 may further include data such as type of mail processingdevice, outsort rate, jam rate, jam time, reunite rate, reject rate,output rate, effective throughput, stops, total device time, or othertype of data related to mail processing device operation useful tomeasure device, operator, and/or manager performance. Device typerepresents a category of mail processing devices 108. Outsort raterepresents a measurement of the number of outsorts occurring in mailprocessing device 108. Outsort rate may include articles processed peroutsort, a time mail processing device 108 operates per outsort, or anyother suitable metric for monitoring the occurrence of outsorts in mailprocessing device 108. In an embodiment, outsort rate is expressed asthe percentage of articles handled by mail processing device 108 thatwere outsorts. Jam rate represents a measurement of the number of jamsoccurring in mail processing device 108. Jam rate may include articlesprocessed per jam, time mail processing device 108 operates per jam, orany other suitable metric for monitoring the occurrence of jams in mailprocessing device 108. Jam time represents the total amount of time amail processing device 108 spent jammed. Reunite rate represents ameasurement of the number of reunites occurring in mail processingdevice 108. Reunite rate may include articles processed per reunite,time mail processing device 108 operates per reunite, or any othersuitable metric for monitoring the occurrence of reunites in mailprocessing device 108. In an embodiment, reunite rate is expressed asthe percentage of articles handled by mail processing device 108 thatwere reunites. Reject rate represents a measurement of the number ofrejects occurring in mail processing device 108. Reject rate may includearticles processed per reject, time mail processing device 108 operatesper reject, or any other suitable metric for monitoring the occurrenceof rejects in mail processing device 108. Output rate represents ameasurement of the number of articles successfully processed by mailprocessing device 108. Output rate may include articles processed perunit time of mail processing device operation, for example, per hour.Effective throughput represents a measure of the number of articlessuccessfully processed by a mail processing device 108. In anembodiment, effective throughput represents the number of articlessuccessfully processed per hour. Stops represent the number of times amail processing device 108 stopped processing articles. Total devicetime represents the total amount of time a mail processing deviceoperated.

Row 236 represents an embodiment of filtered first data that includesdata related to a particular mail processing job. Row 236 includes thedate the job was processed (1/1/11), the job name (0001), the job type(Job 1), the amount of time mail processing device 108 operated toprocess the job (02:53:58), the operator who processed the job (Open1),the manager who supervised the operator (Manag1), the particular mailprocessing device 108 that processed the job (Dev1), the productinvolved in the mail processing job (Prod1), the number of articlesinput into mail processing device 108 as part of the job (27,264), thenumber of articles successfully processed by mail processing device 108as part of the job (26,235), the number of articles that were outsorts(1029), the number of articles that were reunites (266), the number ofarticles that were rejects (612), the number of times mail processingdevice 108 jammed during the job (42), the average time it took theoperator to clear the jams from mail processing device 108 (00:00:14),and the amount of time mail processing device 108 was turned on, but notprocessing, during the job (00:06:32). Row 236 could include more,fewer, or other data columns. In certain embodiments, the data columnsincluded in row 236 are identified from second data received fromclients 112.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to table 200. Table200 may include more, fewer, or different column fields. Table 200 mayinclude any data useful in monitoring the performance of mail processingdevice 108, operator, or operator manager performance. Table 200 mayalso include any combination of column fields, any number of rows, orany number of columns.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart of an embodiment of method 300 forprocessing data associated with the operation of mail processingdevices. Method 300 begins at step 302. At step 304, reporting module114, receives, over network 102, first data related to the operation ofmail processing devices 108, wherein each of the plurality of mailprocessing sites 110 is associated with a database 118 of reportingmodules 114 accessible over network 102. In an embodiment, mail servicesvendor module 106 and/or mail processing device 108 communicates thefirst data to reporting module 114 associated with the mail processingsite 110 of the mail processing device 108 that originated the data.First data may indicate performance metrics of mail processing devices108. At step 306, reporting module 114 stores the first data in database118 associated with the mail processing site 110 of the mail processingdevice 108 that originated the data.

At step 308, reporting module 114 receives, over network 102, seconddata identifying filter criteria for the first data. In an embodiment,reporting module 114 receives second data from one or more clients 112.At step 310, reporting module 114 filters, using processor 120, thefirst data with the second data. At step 312, reporting module 114generates, using processor 120, a report based on the filtered firstdata. At step 314, reporting module 114 communicates the report overnetwork 102. Method 300 ends at step 316.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to method 300. Themethod may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps maybe performed in any suitable order. Any suitable component of system 100may perform one or more steps of method 300. For example, in anembodiment, mail services vendor 106 may perform one or more of stepsdescribed as being performed by reporting module 114, and database 126may perform one or more of the steps described as being performed bydatabase 118.

FIGS. 4A-B illustrate embodiments of graphical user interfaces (GUIs)for communicating second data. FIG. 4A illustrates an embodiment of GUI400. In the embodiment, client 112 may select a date range, one or moremanager names, and/or one or more operator names to include in a report.Client 112 may further select Individual Operator Reports and/or SummaryReports that include categories of data such as product, client, jobtype, and device. GUI 400 further provides client 112 other reportingoptions such as Product Reports by Half Hour, Output Volumes by Month,14 Day Chart, Product Report by Date, Employee Performance ManagementSystem Reports, and an option to view More Reports.

FIG. 4B illustrates an embodiment of GUI 402. In the embodiment, client112 can select a date range, customer type, customer, product, job type,device type, and device to include in a report. Client 112 may furtherselect whether to include various data such as outsort rates, jam rates,reunite rates, reject rates, and/or output rates. GUI 402 furtherprovides client 112 reporting options that include Daily Report,Summary, Jam Clear Rate Report, and Remaining Idle Time Report. In anembodiment, GUI 402 allows client 112 to export data used to create areport to a Microsoft Excel file.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to interfaces 400 and402. Interfaces 400 and 402 may include more, fewer, or other fields forreceiving second data or more, fewer, or other options for reports. GUIs400 and 402 may further communicate with any suitable component ofsystem 100.

FIGS. 5A-C illustrate embodiments of generated reports of first datafiltered by second data. FIG. 5A illustrates report 500 which displaysdata related to mail processing device 108 performance. Report 500includes input, output, effective throughput, vendor effectivethroughput, jam rate, average remaining idle time, jam clear rate,stops, jams, run time, jam time, idle time, and total device time for anumber of mail processing devices at a particular mail processing siteover a particular date range. Enterprise 104 may use report 500 toevaluate mail processing device 108 performance, identify maintenanceissues in mail processing devices 108, or other purpose.

FIG. 5B illustrates report 502 which displays data related to operatorperformance. Report 502 includes input, output, effective throughput,vendor effective throughput, jam rate, average remaining idle time, jamclear rate, stops, jams, run time, jam time, idle time, and total devicetime for a particular operator over a particular date range. Report 502further includes the operator's manager, the particular devices operatedby the operator, the products processed by the operator on theparticular devices. Enterprise 104 may use report 502 to evaluateoperator performance, compare operator performance, evaluate site 110performance, or other purpose.

FIG. 5C illustrates report 504 which displays data related to managerperformance. Report 504 includes input, output, effective throughput,vendor effective throughput, jam rate, average remaining idle time, jamclear rate, stops, jams, run time, jam time, idle time, and total devicetime for a particular operator over a particular date range. Report 504further includes a number of managers of a particular mail processingsite 110, the particular mail processing devices 108 operated under thesupervision of the managers, and a summary of mail processing device 108performance at site 110. Enterprise 104 may use report 504 to evaluatemanager performance, comparing manger performance, evaluating site 110performance, or other purpose.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to reports 500, 502,and 504. Reports 500, 502, and 504 may include more, fewer, or otherfields. Reports 500, 502, and 504 may display more, fewer, or otherfirst data and may filter the first data with more, fewer or othersecond data. Reports 500, 502, and 504 may be generated in any suitableformat and may include data tables, such as table 200. Reports 500, 502,and 504 may be dynamic, allowing a user to further manipulate data inthe report, or static.

Although the present disclosure has been described with severalembodiments, diverse changes, substitutions, variations, alterations,and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art, and it isintended that the disclosure encompass all such changes, substitutions,variations, alterations, and modifications as fall within the spirit andscope of the appended claims.

1-21. (canceled)
 22. A system for analyzing performance data associatedwith a mail processing device, comprising: a hardware interfaceconfigured to receive, over a network, first data related to theoperation of a mail processing device at one of a plurality of mailprocessing sites, wherein each of the plurality of mail processing sitesis associated with a database accessible over the network; a processorcommunicatively coupled to the interface and configured to: store thefirst data in a database associated with the mail processing site thatincludes the mail processing device; and calculate device performancedata and operator performance data from the received first data, whereinthe calculated device and operator performance data includes: an outsortrate representing a number of articles that were not successfully openedby the mail processing device per unit time; a reunite rate representinga number of articles that were not successfully extracted by the mailprocessing device per unit time; and a device idle time representing theamount of time between when an operator turns the mail processing deviceon and the time the mail processing device begins processing articles,excluding the time it takes for the mail processing device to startup;the interface further configured to: receive, over the network, seconddata identifying filter criteria for the first data; and receive thefirst data from a mail services vendor database configured to store thefirst data received from the mail processing device; the processorfurther configured to: filter the first data with the second data;generate a report based on the filtered first data that includes thecalculated outsort rate and the calculated reunite rate; and calculatemanager performance data according to the first data; and the interfacefurther configured to communicate the report over the network.
 23. Thesystem of claim 22, wherein a mail processing device includes at leastone from the set comprising: mail opening devices, mail sorting devices,mail extracting devices, mail inserting devices, scanning devices,folding devices, imaging devices, and data capture devices.
 24. Thesystem of claim 22, wherein the first data includes at least one fromthe set comprising: mail processing device type, number of jams, numberof reunites, number of rejects, number of outsorts, input, and output.25. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising logic foranalyzing performance data associated with a mail processing device, thelogic, when executed by a processor, configured to: receive, over anetwork, first data related to the operation of a mail processing deviceat one of a plurality of mail processing sites, wherein each of theplurality of mail processing sites is associated with a databaseaccessible over the network; store the first data in a databaseassociated with the mail processing site that includes the mailprocessing device; calculate device performance data and operatorperformance data from the received first data, wherein the calculateddevice and operator performance data includes: an outsort raterepresenting a number of articles that were not successfully opened bythe mail processing device per unit time; a reunite rate representing anumber of articles that were not successfully extracted by the mailprocessing device per unit time; and a device idle time representing theamount of time between when an operator turns the mail processing deviceon and the time the mail processing device begins processing articles,excluding the time it takes for the mail processing device to startup;receive, over the network, second data identifying filter criteria forthe first data; filter the first data with the second data; generate,using a processor, a report based on the filtered first data thatincludes the calculated outsort rate and the calculated reunite rate;communicate the report over the network; receive the first data from amail services vendor database configured to store the first datareceived from the mail processing device; and calculate managerperformance metrics according to the first data.
 26. The computerreadable medium of claim 25, wherein a mail processing device includesat least one from the set comprising: mail opening devices, mail sortingdevices, mail extracting devices, mail inserting devices, scanningdevices, folding devices, imaging devices, and data capture devices. 27.The computer readable medium of claim 25, wherein the first dataincludes at least one from the set comprising: mail processing devicetype, number of jams, number of reunites, number of rejects, number ofoutsorts, input, and output.
 28. A method for analyzing performance dataassociated with a mail processing device, comprising: receiving, over anetwork, first data related to the operation of a mail processing deviceat one of a plurality of mail processing sites, wherein each of theplurality of mail processing sites is associated with a databaseaccessible over the network; storing the first data in a databaseassociated with the mail processing site that includes the mailprocessing device; calculate device performance data and operatorperformance data from the received first data, wherein the calculateddevice and operator performance data includes: an outsort raterepresenting a number of articles that were not successfully opened bythe mail processing device per unit time; a reunite rate representing anumber of articles that were not successfully extracted by the mailprocessing device per unit time; and a device idle time representing theamount of time between when an operator turns the mail processing deviceon and the time the mail processing device begins processing articles,excluding the time it takes for the mail processing device to startup;receiving, over the network, second data identifying filter criteria forthe first data; filtering, using a processor, the first data with thesecond data; generating, using a processor, a report based on thefiltered first data that includes the calculated outsort rate and thecalculated reunite rate; communicate the report over the network;receiving the first data from a mail services vendor database configuredto store the first data received from the mail processing device; andcalculating, using the processor, manager performance metrics accordingto the first data.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein a mail processingdevice includes at least one from the set comprising: mail openingdevices, mail sorting devices, mail extracting devices, mail insertingdevices, scanning devices, folding devices, imaging devices, and datacapture devices.
 30. The method of claim 28, wherein the first dataincludes at least one from the set comprising: mail processing devicetype, number of jams, number of reunites, number of rejects, number ofoutsorts, input, and output.